Masson Mills shopping village ‘closes its doors for good’
ONE of the most popular shopping g destinations in Derbyshire has s closed its doors for good, according to a message on social media.
Masson Mills Shopping Village, which opened in 1999 and comprises more than 60 different “retail concepts”, shut in March when the coronavirus pandemic national lockdown was imposed and has not reopened since.
The Matlock Bath venue is part of f Sir Richard Arkwright’s 1783 Masson n Mills building and features a work- ing textile museum, which has also o been shut since March. The whole e complex is part of the Derwent Val- ley Mills World Heritage site.
At its peak, the complex attracted d more than 400,000 visitors a year.
For several months, the same Masson Mills Facebook page has been promising that the retail outlet will reopen in the near future. A notice on the page now reads: “Bad news folks, Masson Mills shopping village has now closed its doors for good.” The site also says fixtures and fittings are being sold off and people will be able to reserve items and then collect them on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Previous visitors to the site expressed their disappointment that the shopping village had closed.
Vicky Larimore said: “How sad. I shall really miss this place. All the lovely staff, and the car park man.”
And Martyn Lloyd said: “Really sad. Loved it there. Such a wonderful diverse shopping experience. Always went there when passing through and particularly for Christmas shopping. It’ll be sadly missed.”
Ian Brown said: “I spent a good few days at Masson when it was still an actual mill. The people there were great and the boiled ham cobs in the canteen on Tuesdays were to die for.”
The complex had been run by the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group, which is on the brink of calling in administrators. The group which has 1,100 stores and whose boss is Philip Day, runs Edinburgh Woollen Mill stores, Jaeger, Austin Reed, Jane Norman and Peacocks.
It is understood the group has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators but is looking for an extension to give more time to come up with a rescue deal but none of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill stores is likely to survive.
The outlet, which employed 70 staff, was popular with visitors to the area and was a regular haunt for people looking for household and clothing items on its five floors and featured many designer brands.
The Grade II* listed mill was built by industrial pioneer Richard Arkwright in the late 18th century and ceased to be a working mill in 1991 when cotton production ended.
Masson Mill is privately owned
and was originally purchased by businessman Robert Mountford Aram in 1988, one of several he bought around the country.
Derwent Valley Mills Partnership, which administers all of the Derwent Valley heritage site, said: “Derwent Valley Mills Partnership is unable to comment on the future of Masson Mills, as it privately owned.
“As it is a key element of the World Heritage Site, we will support the owners in any appropriate way we can, in these difficult times. We are aware the museum has been closed since lockdown in March and we are monitoring the situation.”
A Derbyshire County Council spokesperson said: “Masson Mills is privately owned so it would not be for the council to comment on its future. However, it is a key monument of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site so we will be monitoring the situation to ensure the building is maintained, and we would liaise with the owner if necessary.”